Masutha says Leopards can compete

Sibongiseni Gumbi

With three points in the bag, Black Leopards coach Joel Masutha is sure his side will now be more confident going forward.

Lidoda Duvha beat provincial rivals Polokwane City 1-0 on Saturday to register their first win in the Absa Premiership and have declared they are not in the division just for a short visit.

Masutha admitted the win had come with huge relief as it showed the players that what he has been drilling into them was working and they would now be more confident in their abilities.

“The win helped in terms of calming the nerves,” he said.

“Also to have the taste of what it feels like to play an Absa Premiership match was great. There were butterflies but we hardly showed that it was our first match. The boys played without fear from the first whistle and we had to fight,” he added.

He said opening with a derby match was a huge ask for his young side but he is relieved they came through unscathed.

“City didn’t make it easy for us. They fought hard. It was a typical derby match. It was very demanding but we managed. It has boosted the belief we can compete here,” added Masutha.

The Lidoda Duvha mentor is wise enough to know that the first win means nothing if they cannot marry it with other good results and he realises it is going to become more difficult as the season progresses.

Leopards meet Highlands Park in their next match at the Makhulong Stadium and Masutha expects an uncompromising display from the Lions of the North who held the mighty Orlando Pirates to a draw in their first match.

“We must not get carried away because games are never the same. Highlands Park are next and they are a very awkward team to play against.

“They might not always have possession but they always have scoring opportunities. They will be supremely fit because under (Owen) Da Gama if you are not fully fit, you don’t play.

“We will be braced for a very tough one but I believe we will be more confident now after that win,” added Masutha.